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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 22,2013 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. in the Police Community Room, 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen John Arena and James Bonazoli,- Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena; Finance Committee members Barry Berman, Paul McNeice, Hal Torman, David Greenfield, Paula Perry, Karen Herrick, Jeff Perkins and Jeanne Borawski; Library Trustees David Hutchinson, Alice Collins, Richard Curtis, Cherrie Dubois, Andrew Grimes and Vicki Yablonsky; Library Director Ruth Urell, Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mary Delai, Fred VanMagness, Amy Lannon, Theresa Doyon, Demetra Restuccia, Amy Hennessy, Jeffrey Everson, Aileen Bezarian, Rita Shetzi, Charlene Bazarian, Darlene Mercer Bruen, Meghan Young, Steven Ryan, Charles Dady, Kevin Dady, Vincent Shanley, John T. Moran, Paul Dady, Bill Brown, Oleda Dady, Nancy Daly, Marilyn and Harry Simmon. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to the acquisition or sale of real estate and that the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the body and to reconvene in Open Session at approximately 7.00 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative A motion by Dockser seconded by McNeice to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to the acquisition or sale of real estate and that the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the body and to reconvene in Open Session at approximately 7.00 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all eight members voting in the affirmative The Boards reconvened in Open Session and the Library Board of Trustees was called to order. Reports and Comments Public Comment — Bill Brown asked if the Board of Selectmen are going to enforce the law that the Finance Committee make their recommendation to Town Meeting seven days ahead of time. Fred VanMagness noted that Town Meeting is being asked to vote on a specific amount for the Library but there is no mention of the amount in the Warrant Report. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 22 2013 —page 2 Darlene Mercer Bruen, a City Council member from Woburn, noted that Woburn worked with Reading to have Mass Highway not do any takings for the 128/93 interchange project. Woburn said no to the electronic billboards and they are strongly against it. She understands the temptation of money but the signs are a distraction and ugly. The billboard company will offer mitigation but there is no value to that if the property values go down. She urged the Board to be a good neighbor and vote against the electronic billboards. Richard Schubert noted that he worked with Darlene for five years on the 128/93 Task Force and thanked her for coming out this evening. Charlene Bazarian submitted a petition with 200 signatures to the Board. Everyone who signed it is against the electronic billboard. She noted that this intersection is known as one of the most dangerous highway intersections and she can't image putting a billboard there. Discussion/Action Items Review STM Article 6 — Library Project Jointly with the Finance Committee and Board of Library Trustees —The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee met with the Library Board of Trustees at their last meeting and asked for cost of project and the order of magnitude. Library Board of Trustees Chairman David Hutchinson reviewed the process to date. He noted that the Board got estimates of various options, but the costs have risen over the last four years. The project was presented to the State in 2010. The Town needs to approve within six months or we will lose State funding. The library needs improvements that the State deems sufficient so we really can't tweak the design. The cost of the project is $10.1 million plus and additional $4.8 million in soft costs. The Town's cost will be $9.8 million after the State pays $5.1 million. David Hutchinson noted that the Finance Committee wanted to know what would happen if we didn't do the project. The bottom up comparison is that it will take millions to address the needs of the 100 year old building and it would be money poorly spent. Library Director Ruth Urell passed out a list of architect estimates. Selectman Richard Schubert asked what had changed since 2010 and Ruth Urell noted that the hard costs have increased $800,000. The contingency was also very low and when they reviewed the estimates this November they adjusted the cost. There is also the cost of moving and temporary quarters. The Town Manager noted that there was a working group consisting of two architects and an engineer and they agree with the figures. John Arena asked if it would be possible to breakdown the $7,500,000 to renovate the existing building. Richard Smith noted that it won't be much different than what is here and if we take out the State funding there won't be any improvements. Some things cannot be accomplished without the addition. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 22 2013 —page 3 David Greenfield noted that this building has needed work for a long time. It has fundamental structural issues and if we take the money out of capital it will be coming out of an already strained budget and we will end up spending millions. He feels it is better to get an override and get in shape for the next 50 years. Barry Berman noted that emergency money is needed every year for Library repairs. It is fiscally prudent to get money from the State. This is our tax payer money coming back to Reading. He doesn't want to leave it on the table. We only get one chance and we should do it right. James Bonazoli noted that he is concerned regarding our lack of methodology and process. This will cost the taxpayers another $40 and if housing is flipping then we will have a school problem. The Town Manager noted that we had no idea of the cost of a temporary location until they started looking. Jean Borawski thanked the Library Board for the additional information. Her concern is for the other capital projects going forward. Town Meeting member Fred VanMagness asked how many different alternatives were considered and asked if we would be better off just straight rebuilding. He noted there are no numbers in the Warrant Report on this Article and he noted that all other projects were done with research. Richard Schubert noted the project has been around for a while and people can make a decision on schematic numbers. David Greenfield noted that Town Meeting will get the information and there is enough information to make a decision. He sees no value in delaying. Bob LeLacheur indicated the plan is to send an email out to Town Meeting with the information. A motion by Berman seconded by Torman for the Finance Committee to accept Article 6 as written as approved by a vote of 8-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Herrick to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting at 8:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 8-0-0. FY14 Budget—Library— Bob LeLacheur reviewed the Library budget. He noted that the Library Board requests steps plus a 2% COLA. There is no change in staffing. James Bonazoli asked if there will be full staff while they are in the temporary space and Ruth Urell indicated there will be full staff because they will do satellite locations. She also noted that they will spend the full material budget because they have to use all appropriations or lose State funding. John Arena asked if we could get a waiver and Ruth Urell indicated we cannot. David Hutchinson noted that a lot of the materials are replacements. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 22 2013 —page 4 Richard Schubert noted that the salary budget shows I% COLA and the Library Board is requesting a 2% COLA. Bob LeLacheur noted that all non-union get the same 1% COLA at a cost of$45,000. Police —Bob LeLacheur noted there is no changes in staffing. RCASA reflects full costs and the $40,795 grant is offset in this budget. Overtime is increased by $5,000. Dispatch—This budget covers the cost of the negotiated contract including a 2% step and 1% COLA. Fire—There are no changes in staffing. Wages are 2% step and I% COLA. Overtime has been increased and there is an increase in ambulance services. Public safety overtime has increased $15,000 - $20,000 per year. Chief Cormier noted that this is a bare bones budget. Overtime has been under budgeted in the past but they manage to the best of their ability. Richard Schubert noted that the Dispatch overtime has stabilized over the years. James Bonazoli asked if our staff of 42 covers our abilities to deal with drug issues because the Town's actions against drug abuse have worked. Chief Cormier indicated we are a model in the area. Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that the Fire Department is fortunate to have the support of the community. The Department of Public Health oversees ambulance services. The Town needs a medical provider to use his license to allow us to give medication. We plan on providing the same level of service. The cost to expand the use of medication to an additional truck is $400. Department of Public Works— Public Works Director Jeff Zager was present. Bob LeLacheur noted that there are two changes in staff - two seasonal employees were restored in Parks/Forestry. Snow and ice has increased. The net average of snow and ice over 10 years is $720,000. The Economic Development Committee is asking that the Town fund the plant watering. Jeff Zager reviewed the success of the recycling program. He also noted that there will be five to six retirements in 2014 so he will be looking at supervisor training programs for employees. Water Enterprise — Bob LeLacheur noted this has increased 3.6% and he suggests using fewer reserves. The actual is 5% more than budgeted and wages have increased 2.6%. The MWRA's numbers are the same as last years. The water main projects total $25 million if we do them all today, but we will start with $6 million. Stormwater remains at $40 fee per household. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 22, 2013 —page 5 Sewer — Bob LeLacheur noted that he had to juggle the capital plan when the Board added Lewis, Howard and Charles Streets to the sewer replacement plan. Reserves — Bob LeLacheur noted that regeneration is assumed for water and sewer reserves. He is looking at approximately a 5% increase in the next few years. The Board will have to discuss what to do when the rates are set. Review Special Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager noted that Article 10 is to amend Section 6.2.2 of the Zoning Bylaw to allow electronic billboards. In 2010 there was a brainstorming session on how to raise revenues and allowing electronic billboards was one idea. The State adopted new regulations allowing electronic billboards. This would require Town Meeting approval. Clear Channel will make an application to the ZBA and the Town will receive a host payment of$50,000/year and three billboards will be removed — two immediately and land will be donated to the Town. There is one location where an electronic billboard will be allowed and that is the Mobil Station on West Street. CPDC will make their recommendation on Thursday night. Richard Schubert asked what the timeframe is for payments and the Town Manager noted it is the lifetime of the billboard. The Town Manager also noted that the Outdoor Advertising Board will not accept applications from Clear Channel without the Town's support. Harry Simmons, Precinct 4, requested that the Selectmen take this off the Warrant or to table it. He reminded the Board that the woman from Woburn asked us to be considerate. He noted that $50,000 is minuscule to the decrease in property assessments. People don't want 9 feet high billboards. Bob Connors, a Howard Street resident, agreed with Mr. Simmons and noted that area is surrounded by a residential area. Dave Mancuso asked if there have been any conversations with the Assessors and he asked if there is any tax information on this property. He feels the Town needs more information. Demetra Restuccia, 106 Oak Street, noted that location is the gateway into Reading. The Town has planned pedestrian safety to improve downtown and this would send the wrong message. John Germain from James Road noted this is right in his backyard and he is against it. Meghan Young, 40 Oak Street, noted that the light will impact neighbors. This is in stark contrast to what the Town is trying to do. This will fluctuate light intensity 24/7. Karl Weld noted that the highway is the edge of Town for most people. This would pay for adding a teacher each year. He advised that the next time the school has budget cuts, don't complain. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 22 2013 —page 6 Bill Brown noted that Wilmington will take the revenue. Ben Tafoya indicated he thinks this is a bad idea. We can't take one bad thing from one side of Town and add one bad thing to the other side. He recommends the Board of Selectmen vote against it. He noted that we don't need to commercialize every square inch of the community. John Arena indicated that the question should be put forward to Town Meeting. The packet has letters in support and it should move forward to Town Meeting floor. James Bonazoli noted that the Board worked diligently for new growth at the Finance Committee's request. Mr. Bonazoli also noted that for those people who think$50,000 is a pittance, they should join a committee and see what it's like to cut things out of the budget. He noted there is no growth in our budget. Richard Schubert indicated he has been reading the State regulations and the more he learns the less he likes it. He asked how many would vote yes if it was in their neighbor's yard. He is impressed that the city councilor from Woburn felt strong enough to attend our meeting. He sees this as an opportunity to have Reading added to the list of no billboards. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 6 of the January 28, 2013 Special Town Meeting in the amount of $14,876,698 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Arena to recommend the subject matter of Article 8 of the January 28, 2013 Special Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to recommend the subiect matter of Article 10 of the January 28, 2013 Special Town Meeting failed by a vote of 2-2-0 with Tafoya and Schubert opposed. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to adiourn the meeting at 10.58p m was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully sub d, Secretary